The Bloemfontein sprinting sensation will be competing in the 400m at a major event for the first time this season, with his sights set on defending his world title at the World Championships in London next month.

Van Niekerk’s season-best over the distance is 46.28, which interestingly makes him the slowest sprinter in the field in Lausanne.

He will be up against the Botswana duo of Isaac Makwala with 44.80 and Baboloki Thebe with 44.89.

Makwala is the only other sprinter in the field to have clocked a sub-44 with 43.72.

Earlier Van Niekerk said that he would love to run the 200-400 double at the World Championships next month.

“We would really love to but I’m sure only my times can tell.

“I’m definitely going to put in the hard work and if the opportunity is there to double I’m going to take it.

“At the token, it’s going to be a lot of hard work but I’m ready for it.

“It’s going to be the first time I’m going to double at a major international competition.”

Van Niekerk will be in action at 21:40 on Thursday evening.

Akani Simbine, who ran 9.99 seconds on Monday night and was edged by just 0.01 seconds by Justin Gatlin, will be running in the men's 100m.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport